Latest News & Appeals

Shahbaz Bhatti Memorial & Fundraiser – Saturday, March 08, 2025

Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Compassionate Hearts,

On Saturday, March 8th, 2025, the International Christian Voice will host a special fundraiser at the Toronto Grand Convention Centre (30 Baywood Road, Toronto) to support refugees in desperate need of a safe haven and a fresh start. We invite you to join us in this life-changing mission.

Every day, countless families are forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, and unimaginable hardships. They arrive in Canada with nothing but hope for a better future. Together, we can turn that hope into reality.

We are appealing to businesses, community organizations, churches, philanthropists, human rights organizations, and compassionate individuals to help us raise $55,000. This amount will provide critical support to resettle and sustain a refugee family for one year, covering essentials such as housing, food, education, and healthcare.

Your generosity can make a profound difference. Here’s how you can help:

  • Purchase tickets to our fundraiser event.
  • Donate by cash, cheque, or e-Transfer.

Charitable tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more.

This is more than a fundraiser—it’s an opportunity to extend love, compassion, and practical help to those who need it most. Let us come together as a community to show that no one is alone in their time of need.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. Together, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of refugees and help them rebuild their futures.

ICV welcomes its 2nd refugee family of 2025

ICV welcomes its 2nd refugee family of 2025:

Nasir Gill, his wife and three adult children arrived at the Vancouver International Airport on February 13, 2025.  They were warmly welcomed to Canada by a large contingent of their cosponsors, the Richmond Emmanuel Church, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Silas Ng, Apostolic Vicar, The Anglican Mission Canada Rector, other pastors and members of the church. 
The family was treated to a late lunch and then escorted to their new, fully furnished home in Canada. They were very excited to see the snow-covered Vancouver landscape and then explore their warm and comfortable home prepared for them by the Church team.
The Richmond Emmanuel Church approached International Christian Voice about three years ago to sponsor this Pakistani Christian refugee family from Thailand to Canada. ICV extends a hearty welcome to the new immigrants and wishes them every success and happiness at the start of their new lives in Canada.  International Christian Voice
 

ICV welcomes its 1st refugee family of 2025

ICV welcomes its 1st refugee family of 2025:

Representatives of International Christian Voice along with family and friends of the Odeesho family were at the Toronto Pearson International Airport to warmly welcome them to Canada. Persecuted Christian Assyrians from Iraq, the Odeesho family sought refuge in Turkey from where agents of the Canadian Government processed them before flying to Canada. ICV submitted applications for sponsorship of the family to Canada about three years ago.
We welcome the Odeesho family to Canada and wish them every success here.
International Christian Voice

 

20th December 2024, International Christian Voice Christmas Dinner Celebration

Toronto, Canada – On December 20, 2024, the International Christian Voice (ICV) hosted a heartwarming Christmas celebration for new immigrants and refugees. The event brought together families and individuals from diverse backgrounds to share in the joy of the season, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

The gathering featured traditional Christmas carols, festive decorations, and inspiring speeches. Attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner and participated in activities designed to spread holiday cheer, including gift exchanges for children and storytelling sessions highlighting the message of hope and renewal.

Mr. Peter Bhatti, Chairman of ICV, welcomed the guests with an uplifting message. “Christmas is a time of joy, unity, and generosity. At ICV, we are committed to ensuring that our new immigrant and refugee friends feel embraced and supported as they start a new chapter of their lives in Canada.”

Many attendees expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome. New refugee families, shared, “This is our first Christmas in Canada, and it feels wonderful to be surrounded by such kindness and love. We are thankful to ICV for making us feel at home.”

The celebration underscored ICV’s mission to support persecuted Christians and other vulnerable communities by offering practical assistance, advocacy, and opportunities to integrate into Canadian society. The organization continues to play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment for newcomers.

As the evening ended, the spirit of Christmas lingered in the smiles and laughter shared by everyone present. The event not only celebrated the holiday season but also reinforced the importance of compassion and solidarity in building inclusive communities.

 

8th November 2024, ICV Welcomes Danish Akbar & Family

 

International Christian Voice (ICV) welcomed Danish Akber, his wife, daughter and son to Canada at Toronto International Airport, on November 08th. Danish’s family is the 17th family and 50th ICV-sponsored refugee to arrive in Canada in 2024.
After being persecuted for their Christian religious beliefs in Pakistan, Danish and his wife fled to Malaysia where they lived as refugees for more than a decade. Their children were born in exile. ICV sponsored the family to Canada three years ago, culminating in their joyful arrival yesterday. Welcoming the family at the airport were ICV representative, Noel Fernandis, Airport Chaplain, Richard Silvister and family friend, Mike Bland of Voice of Christians who drove up to Toronto from North Carolina.
We welcome Danish Akber and his family to Canada and wish them every success in their life here.
International Christian Voice

9th September 2024, Shahbaz Bhatti’s Birthday Celebration

Diverse Faith communities celebrate Shahbaz Bhatti’s birthday on September 9th,2024
Much work went into the planning of this event. Flyers announcing the celebration at the Shahbaz Bhatti Park at Brampton were posted on the media. Posters were strategically placed at the park inviting the neighborhood to attend the birth anniversary celebration of a great Pakistani human rights hero.
The day dawned bright and cheery but soon deteriorated to dull and gloomy with rain forecast for the afternoon. True to the weather man, the rain came down in buckets in different parts of the city just before the event was to start and the organizers began to panic. Then, just as suddenly as it started, the rain stopped, the clouds parted, and we were treated to blue skies and bright sunshine. The stage was set for a perfect birthday party.
The organizers and helpers, most of whom were recently arrived refugee, immigrant families, set about decorating the stage, raising banners, arranging chairs and setting up the sound system to be ready for a 4:00 p.m. start time.
Crystal Asher, the emcee for the evening started the proceedings with a brief introduction of the life of Shahbaz Bhatti. Rev. Pastor Arthur Salim was invited to say the opening prayer. Upon the arrival of Mayor Patrick Brown accompanied by Brampton City Councilor, Rod Power, both were invited to address the crowd. They touched upon the great dedication and loyalty of the Minister of Minorities Affairs, to the Hindu, Sikh, Parsee and Christian minorities of
Pakistan and of Shahbaz’s ultimate sacrifice of his life on March 09, 2011, while fighting for their rights.
The cake was cut by Mayor Patrick Brown and immediately served to the seated assembly by the members of the recently arrived refugee families. Tabeeta Gill and Albert Kamran entertained the crowd with beautiful rendering of songs praising Shahbaz Bhatti.
The anniversary celebrants were members of the Christian, Sikh ,Hindu and Muslim communities, Kamaljit Singh and another member of the Sikh community paid tribute to Shahbaz Bhatti.
Javaid Rahim Bakhsh spoke eloquently about Shahbaz’s unfailing dedication to his mission and of his ultimate sacrifice.
Gul Sher, who was Shahbaz’s driver at the time of his assassination shared his sad and terrifying story about that fateful day and how because of threats from extremists, he had to flee to Thailand where he languished for ten years, while being separated from his wife and five children. International Christian Voice (ICV) sponsored him to Canada, and he arrived in Toronto two months ago this past July. His family, also sponsored by ICV, followed him a few days later from Pakistan.
There were games for the children organized by Maria and Asma and the winners received prizes. In fact, there were no losers because everyone received a prize and no child was disappointed. It was a pleasure to see all the children playing together, so happy and carefree, enjoying their new lives of freedom in Canada.
The highlight of the evening was world famous Punjabi singer, Hira Dhariwal who graciously volunteered his time and talent by entertaining us for more than an hour. His singing was a treat for all.
There was no shortage of delicious snacks as plates of samosas, pakoras and jalebis were served to all, washed down with an unlimited supply of hot tea.
Peter Bhatti closed the evening around 7:15 by thanking his team members and those assembled for a very successful event.

11th August 2024, Pakistan’s National Minorities Day

On Pakistan’s National Minorities Day, Pakistan’s founding father Quid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah addressed the first Constituent Assembly and laid the foundation for an equal and democratic Pakistan.
Today we remember the sacrifices and contributions of religious minorities along with our Muslim brethren in the creation of Pakistan. We acknowledge the services of our brothers and sisters in the development and prosperity of our motherland.
On this day Mr. Jinnah asked Jogendra Nath Mandal, who belonged to the Hindu Schedule caste, to preside in the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. He purposely did this because he wanted to send the message that every religion would be treated equally in the state of Pakistan.
Despite the injustices that religious minorities face in Pakistan daily, they continue to be loyal to their country and have always been ready to make sacrifices for their homeland.
On this day we especially acknowledge the sacrifice of our great hero Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti who gave his life to see Pakistan develop and prosper as per the vision of Quid-e-Azam Mohmmed Ali Jinnah. He passionately believed in creating a Pakistan in which everyone would live in peace and harmony and as equal citizens. It is because of his untiring efforts that the government of Pakistan officially recognized August 11th as National Minorities Day.
Today, people from all faiths and communities are gathered around the world to show solidarity to one another and send a message of peace, love, and harmony to those who are try to divide on religious grounds. There is no place for such ideologies in this world and we will continue our efforts to ensure the freedom of religion for everyone, everywhere.

July 2024, ICV welcomes Gul Sher

International Christian Voice (ICV) welcomed Gul Sher at Toronto International Airport with great joy, this morning. 

You may recall that Gul Sher was Shahbaz Bhatti’s driver on the day of his assassination on March 02, 2011. Having been a witness to the terrible deed, Gul Sher was being threatened with dire consequences by the terrorists, not to testify.  Under constant threats to his life, Gul Sher fled to Thailand in 2013, leaving his pregnant wife and four children behind, in Pakistan.

ICV is grateful to the generous donors and attendees to two fundraisers, enabling ICV to sponsor Gul Sher to Canada. We needed a large amount of funds to support a family of seven for one year.  His wife and five children are expected to arrive from Pakistan within the next two weeks, to be reunited with him after ten years. Gul Sher has not hugged or seen his youngest child.

A group of ICV members were present at the airport on this joyful day to welcome Gul Sher, who can now resume his life in the welcoming embrace of Canada.  Especially delighted was Shaheen Qamar, who worked with Shahbaz Bhatti and Gul Sher at APMA (All Pakistan Minorities Alliance).  Also present were Cajie and Maria DeSouza, Peter Bhatti and Noel Fernandis. Many thanks to all the volunteers, and Maria and Cajie for turning the basement apartment into a cozy home for the new family.

Let us welcome Gul Sher (and his soon-to-be reunited family) to Canada and wish him every success in his life here.

12 June 2024, ICV welcomes its 10th family

International Christian Voice welcomed Khalid Butrus, an Iraqi Christian, who has spent the last twenty years of his life in exile in Syria and Lebanon. Excited family members waited patiently at the Terminal 1 airport lounge for two hours before Khalid emerged to an emotional greeting of shouts and whoops of joy mingled with tears of disbelief that he was actually on Canadian soil. His parents had flown in from Los Angeles, CA and his sisters and their families had arrived from Michigan to welcome him after a twenty-year separation. Khalid’s cousin, Mansour, his co-sponsor lives in Mississauga and coordinated everything. Family friend, and ICV supporter, Pastor Frank David postponed his overseas trip by a week to be present to greet Khalid.

Mansour celebrated Khalid’s arrival with a grand party today, to which he invited the ICV team. Mansour is a chef whose culinary expertise was displayed with a table filled with Middle Eastern delicacies and desserts. His hospitality knew no bounds.

We wish Khalid every success as he starts his life in freedom, in Canada.

30 May 2024, Protest for Sargodha Incident of Persecution of Minorities in Pakistan

On 30 May, ICV and Pakistani Christian community in Canada organized a protest for taking action against the perpetrators of Sargodha incident. Consul General of Pakistan received the petition for onward transmission to Government of Pakistan. 

It may be noted that such ghastly incidents have become a routine in which Pakistani Christians are lynched and vandalized on false blasphemy charges. ICV has also approached Government of Canada to play its part for protection of Christians in Pakistan.

25 May 2024, ICV was very saddened to learn of the recent incident in Mujahid Colony, Sargodha, Pakistan

International Christian Voice Canada (ICV) was very saddened to learn of the recent incident in Mujahid Colony, Sargodha, Pakistan on the morning of May 25, 2024, in which an extremist mob vandalized the house of 70-year-old Nazir Masih due to false allegations of blasphemy, namely allegations of burning pages of the Holy Quran. 

The mob attempted to set fire to Mr. Masih’s house as well as a neighbouring house and factory and were threatening to lynch him; all of which was instigated by a local Cleric. Video footage of the attack posted on social media clearly shows that officers of the Punjab police were present at the site as silent spectators, which once again points to their neglect and facilitation of the violence carried out by those involved in these crimes. 

We extend our solidarity and support to the victims of this incident, and we urge the government of Pakistan to bring all the culprits to justice and to ensure that the lives and properties of Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan are protected. We also urge the government to take concrete steps to curb radicalism so that this type of incident does not take place again. 

Learn more:

https://www.voanews.com/a/alleged-blasphemy-triggers-violent-muslim-mob-attack-on-pakistani-christians-/7626992.html

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/05/25/mob-rampages-in-sargodha-as-christian-man-is-accused-of-blasphemy/

Peter Bhatti, Chairman, International Christian Voice, Canada

October 2023, ICV Visits Victims of Jaranwala

President ICV, Peter Bhatti visited victims of Jaranwala and distributed funds amongst 40 families to facilitate their rehabilitation. 

ICV Welcomes its 6th Family of 2024 on May 9th

International Christian Voice (ICV) welcomed Asif Masih, his wife Asma and sons Zamran and Haran to Canada upon their arrival at Toronto International Airport this morning. Asif and his family fled to Thailand from Pakistan because of religious persecution. They spent the last twelve years of their lives living in one room, in hiding and virtual imprisonment. The boys (14 and 12) will attend school for the first time in Canada. Asma, a Math. a teacher in Pakistan homeschooled her sons in Thailand using the American school curriculum as a guide. She certainly did a good job because the boys are articulate and speak fluent and accent-free English.
ICV representatives at the airport to welcome the family were Chairman Peter Bhatti and volunteers Maria and Cajie De Souza and Noel Fernandis. Maria and Cajie deserve special mention for cleaning, furnishing and equipping the accommodation in preparation for the new arrivals.
We wish Asif Masih and his family every success in their new life in Canada.
 
 
 

ICV Welcomes its 5th Family of 2024 on April 25th

International Christian Voice (ICV) welcomed refugee family Sarfraz Yousaf, his wife Miriam and their three children to Canada upon their arrival at Toronto International airport this morning. Co- sponsors John and Shamim Rohail joyfully received the family and presented the newcomers with a floral bouquet. The two families have known each other for over 30 years and also spent time together in exile in Thailand.
The Yousaf family had spent more than 10 years in Thailand as refugees before being sponsored by ICV.
Airport Chaplain, Richard Sylvester celebrated a short service of Thanksgiving at the airport Chapel.
We wish Sarfraz and his family every success in their new life in Canada.
 
 

Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti Memorial Fundraiser Dinner 2024

Toronto- March 14, 2024: The International Christian Voice (ICV) held a poignant Shahbaz Bhatti Memorial Dinner on March 8, 2024, to honour the 13th anniversary of the martyrdom of Shahbaz Bhatti, a significant figure in Pakistan’s political history and a vocal advocate for minority rights. This event in Toronto attracted over four hundred and fifty attendees from diverse faith communities, highlighting Bhatti’s widespread impact and the continued relevance of his work in promoting interfaith harmony and minority rights.
 
 
 
 

Peter Bhatti Awarded Sovereign Award June 5, 2022

Mr. Peter Bhatti was awarded the Sovereign Medal, a Canadian honor award for volunteers with a passion, dedication and commitment to Community service. The presentation was held on June 05, 2022 at a prestigious ceremony at the Agha Khan Museum Toronto, Canada.

The Sovereign award was presented by the Lieutenant Governor Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell on behalf of the Governor General of Canada. Peter Bhatti is one of the six volunteers presented with the award at the ceremony.

As founder and Chairman of International Christian voice along with his team of volunteers have brought public attention the plight of persecuted and vulnerable religious minorities in Pakistan. International Christian Voice activities include fundraising for refugee sponsorship; resettlement and assisting sponsored refugees successfully integrate into the Canadian cultural mosaic.

Congratulations Mr. Peter Bhatti, Bhatti family, ICV team of volunteers, Ministry partners, Financial Donors and the Community.